In Opera, Technology Can't Improve Voice

Published: November 8, 1999

The argument regarding amplification of voices at the New York City Opera (and elsewhere) is an important issue for opera lovers and professionals. Classical singing is one of the last purely human art forms, completely unchanged by technology or even benefiting from it.

With the failure of various experiments in acoustical engineering, opera houses should establish principles to guide their use of electronic technology. Most important is a commitment to the unaltered human voice. Amplification should be used only to correct house problems, not to enhance a singer's vocal production. And amplification should never be the solution of first resort.